Kentucky has emerged as a contender for North Carolina transfer Cade Tyson, a 6’7″ wing whose perimeter shooting has drawn widespread interest since he entered the portal on April 12. Despite limited production at UNC (2.6 PPG, 29.2% 3PT in 2024-25), Tyson’s standout sophomore season at Belmont—where he averaged 16.2 PPG and shot 46.5% from deep—makes him a high-upside target for the Wildcats’ backcourt.
Why Kentucky Wants Tyson
Mark Pope’s staff seeks a proven floor-spacer to complement recent frontcourt additions, including Ansley Almonor and Andrew Carr. Tyson’s elite shooting at Belmont, where he earned MVC Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-MVC honors, aligns with Kentucky’s need for reliable three-point threats. While his role at UNC diminished, his career 40.3% field-goal efficiency and 6’7″ frame offer versatility as a catch-and-shoot specialist or rotational wing.
Competition and Fit
Kentucky faces stiff competition from Iowa, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and others. The Wildcats’ pitch likely emphasizes Tyson’s potential to thrive in a system prioritizing perimeter creation, especially with guard Lamar Wilkerson also in their sights. However, programs like Minnesota and Vanderbilt could offer larger roles, with the latter needing three-point help after ranking 267th nationally in long-range accuracy
Outlook
Tyson’s decision hinges on balancing exposure at a blue-blood program against guaranteed minutes elsewhere. For Kentucky, landing him would address a critical gap in shooting depth while adding a veteran presence to a retooled roster. With official contact already made, Pope’s staff aims to secure Tyson before portal activity intensifies.
Tyson’s breakout 2023-24 campaign at Belmont included a 31-point, 9-rebound performance against Samford, showcasing his ability to dominate as a primary option—a trait Kentucky hopes to harness in spot-up scenarios. While NIL packages remain undisclosed, Minnesota’s limited budget compared to SEC rivals could give UK an edge.
